The Ultimate Apple Pie Cookies Recipe: Handheld Bliss

Baking a delightful apple pie cookie blends nostalgia with innovative sweetness that captures childhood memories.

Crisp autumn afternoons suddenly feel warmer with these delectable treats.

Delicate pastry edges crumble softly, revealing warm cinnamon-spiced apple chunks nestled within each bite-sized morsel.

Crunchy textures mingle with soft, tender centers that promise comforting flavors.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating magic on your kitchen counter.

Butter-rich dough and fragrant apples combine in a simple yet elegant dessert that beckons you to roll up your sleeves and start mixing.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will spark joy around the table.

How to Bake Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to create small circular bases for your cookies.

Carefully transfer these delicate circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Create Apple Filling

Dice fresh apples into tiny, uniform cubes.

• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice

Gently mix the ingredients until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble Cookie Bases

Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto the center of each pie crust circle.

Leave a small border around the edges to help seal the cookies.

Step 4: Fold and Seal Cookies

Carefully fold the pie crust over the apple filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Use a fork to press down the edges, creating a decorative crimped seal that keeps the filling securely inside.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the top of each cookie with an egg wash to create a golden, shiny surface.

Sprinkle a light dusting of granulated sugar over the cookies for extra sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Soft and Spiced Apple Pie Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink during baking.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for complex, balanced flavor.
• Cut apple slices uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture in each cookie.
• Brush edges with egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish that adds extra shine and crispness.
• Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking to create a delightful crunch and sweet sparkle.

Variations of Apple Pie Cookies to Explore

• Gluten-Free Fruit Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic apple pie flavor.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cookies: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs, adding extra cinnamon for warmth and depth.
• Low-Sugar Berry Variation: Substitute apples with mixed berries and use monk fruit sweetener to create a lighter, less caloric cookie option.
• Paleo-Friendly Nutty Cookies: Use cassava flour, add chopped pecans, and incorporate coconut sugar for a grain-free, paleolithic diet-compatible treat that honors the original recipe's essence.

Pairing Suggestions for Apple Pie Cookies

• Pair these apple pie cookies with a chilled glass of crisp, local apple cider to enhance the fruity apple notes and complement the buttery cookie base.
• Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the warm spices and provide a luxurious, cooling contrast.
• Enjoy with a rich, velvety caramel cappuccino that echoes the sweet, caramelized flavors of the apple pie cookies and adds a delightful coffee depth.
• Brew a hot cup of spiced cinnamon tea that mirrors the warm, comforting spices in the cookies and creates a cozy, heartwarming experience.

Storage Guidelines for Apple Pie Cookies

• Store cookies flat in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious apple flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their original taste and quality.
• Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy edges and revive the warm, comforting apple pie taste. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Are Apple Pie Cookies hard to make?

These cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. The recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques that anyone can master.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness during baking.

• Do I need special baking equipment?

No special tools are required. A standard mixing bowl, baking sheet, and cookie cutters are all you’ll need to create these delicious treats.

• How long will these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Apple Pie Cookies remain fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. For best flavor and texture, keep them in a cool, dry place.

What Makes Apple Pie Cookies a Delightful Treat

• Bake with Ease: These apple pie cookies require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for beginners who want to create something delightful without feeling overwhelmed.
• Family Dessert Delight: Packed with classic apple pie flavors, these cookies bring everyone together, offering a portable and shareable twist on the traditional pie that kids and adults will adore.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Preparation is super simple, allowing you to transform classic apple pie ingredients into bite-sized treats that are ideal for potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming traditional pie flavors into a convenient cookie format that works beautifully for holiday parties, weekend baking projects, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Cookies

• Pie Crust: A buttery and flaky base that provides the perfect foundation for the sweet apple filling.
• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that bring a natural sweetness and tender texture to the cookies.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the classic apple pie flavor and add depth to the cookie.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that caramelize and create a rich, golden coating.

• Egg Wash, Vanilla Extract: Ingredients that help seal the edges and add a subtle aromatic flavor.
• Coarse Sugar: A sprinkle of crunchy sugar that creates a beautiful, sparkly top for the cookies.

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pie cookies blend classic American dessert flavors into bite-sized treats. Crisp pastry edges and warm cinnamon notes create irresistible small-batch comfort for those craving sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 apples (approximately 1 lb)
• 1 cup of caramel sauce
• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter (chilled, cubed)
• 1 3/4 cups of apple pie filling (finely diced)
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of ice water
• 3 tbsps of granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps of brown sugar
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsps of cornstarch
• 1–2 tbsps of lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of sugar
• 3/4 cup of water
• Hint of nutmeg
• 1 package of pre-made refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts, alternative option)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and prevent sticking.
2. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface, creating a thin, even layer that will serve as the base for the cookies.
3. Use a circular cookie cutter to cut precise rounds from the pie crust, creating uniform cookie foundations.
4. Finely dice the apples into small, consistent cubes to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the cookie.
5. Mix the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sugar, coating them thoroughly to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Place a small mound of the spiced apple mixture in the center of each pie crust round, leaving a clear border around the edges.
7. Carefully fold the edges of the pie crust over the apple filling, creating a rustic, half-moon shape that encloses the fruit.
8. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the cookies completely and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
9. Brush the top of each cookie with beaten egg, which will create a golden, glossy finish when baked.
10. Sprinkle a light dusting of raw sugar over the cookies to add a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges turn a rich golden brown and the crust becomes crisp.
12. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Allow the cookies to cool completely, which will help them set and develop a perfect texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to maintain those delightful buttery layers that melt in your mouth.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the rich, classic flavor.
• Cut cookies uniformly to guarantee even baking and a consistent golden-brown color that looks as good as it tastes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 216
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg